PPP-PML-N in tense standoff over Kotli clash in AJK

MIRPUR: Tensions between Pakistan Muslim League-Nawaz and Pakistan People’s Party simmering in Azad Jammu and Kashmir after killing of a PPP worker in a clash between the workers of two parties in Kotli.

Azad Kashmir Prime Minister Chaudhry Abdul Majeed has given call of black day on Monday (today) to protest against the federal ministers’ intervention in the region and killing of a PPP worker in clash.

In Saturday’s clash in Nakyal area of Kotli a PPP worker was killed and scores of others were injured.

The clash reportedly occurred in Nakyal Bazaar area when a procession of PPP workers was on its way to the venue of their rally scheduled to be held in connection with the upcoming elections in AJK.

The incident further aggravated the tensions between PML-N and PPP.

A government official on Sunday demanded resignation of Azad Kashmir Prime Minister (PM) Chaudhry Abdul Majeed, holding him responsible for the worker’s death in Kotli.

PM Nawaz Sharif’s Special Advisor Asif Kirmani said that Azad Kashmir PM has failed to protect the lives and properties of the people. “Instead of getting the incident investigated, Azad Kashmir wants to shift the blame on to PML-N”, he said.

He also condened the raids on PML-N workers’ houses.

Abid Hussain, a minister of PPP-led Azad Kashmir government, in his rejoinder to the PML-N leader Asif Kirmani, said that as an unelected official he has no right to demand resignation of a constitutionally elected government.

The administration has imposed section 144 in Kotli district as military and police contingents have been deployed in the tense area.